Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Get Started
SubscribeLogin
Published • loading... • Updated

'Hundreds' of Passengers Fall Ill as Sickness Bug 'Sweeps Through Cruise Ship'

  • On Friday, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines delayed Balmoral embarkation to allow an enhanced deep clean after around 200 guests reported gastrointestinal symptoms during the cruise.
  • Stormy weather forced the Balmoral to abort the Lerwick port call on Sunday after berthing became unsafe, causing some passengers to miss the Up-Helly-Aa festival.
  • Some guests were placed in isolation after gastrointestinal symptoms emerged, while jacuzzis and self-service areas staffed by crew faced temporary restrictions and luggage drop-off at Southampton port opened from 11.30am.
  • Fred Olsen emphasised there are no planned changes to the cruise itinerary despite the later departure, and guests with underlying health conditions were advised to contact guest services to discuss options, including transferring to a different cruise in 2026.
  • The Balmoral has faced similar outbreaks before, with a 2024 outbreak affecting around 250 passengers, while some passengers disputed reported illness as seasickness despite a capacity of more than 1,200.
Insights by Ground AI

16 Articles

Manchester Evening NewsManchester Evening News
Center

'Major outbreak' on UK cruise ship as 200 passengers struck by serious sickness bug

Guests onboard Fred Olsen's The Balmoral reported the outbreak

·Manchester, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
My LondonMy London
Center

'Hundreds' of cruise passengers fall ill in major sickness outbreak Fred Olsen liner

Fred Olsen's The Balmoral was forced to cancel a stop after stormy weather, just as passengers reported an outbreak of gastroenteritis onboard

·London, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Kent Live NewsKent Live News
Center

Hundreds of cruise passengers struck down with sickness bug in ship outbreak

Around 200 passengers reportedly fell ill with gastroenteritis on Fred Olsen's The Balmoral, forcing the cruise line to cancel its Shetland port visit

·Kent, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Cornwall LiveCornwall Live
Center

Brit cruise liner reports 'hundreds' sick from 'major outbreak'

Guests on Fred Olsen's The Balmoral have been struck down with gastroenteritis as the ship returns to Southampton for a deep clean

·Cornwall, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Bristol PostBristol Post
Center

Hundreds fall ill on cruise amid 'major outbreak' as ship returns to UK for cleaning

Guests on Fred Olsen's The Balmoral have been struck down with gastroenteritis as the ship returns to Southampton for a deep clean

·Bristol, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
examinerlive.co.ukexaminerlive.co.uk
Center

Hundreds of passengers on UK cruise ship struck by sickness in 'major outbreak' - Yorkshire Live

Passengers on Fred Olsen's Balmoral cruise ship have fallen ill with gastroenteritis, with one passenger claiming 'hundreds' were affected as the vessel returned to Southampton for deep cleaning

Read Full Article
Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 72% of the sources are Center
72% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

The National broke the news in Glasgow, United Kingdom on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

England icon

England

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
SearchBlindspot LogoBlindspotLocal